What you need to know

Working in oil and gas?

If you’re looking for a chance to work in a challenging and dynamic environment with opportunities to work and expand your experience internationally, this could be the industry for you. The choice of careers is vast and offers roles for wide range of skills sets and aptitudes.

Competition for offshore roles

There is a lot of competition for offshore roles.

We have a great reputation for training, but getting qualified is only part of the journey. And while it’s extremely important to highlight transferable skills, some companies will still be reluctant to hire someone with no specific industry experience, so it’s a good idea to get some if you can.

But how is it possible to get offshore experience if companies are reluctant to recruit people who don’t have any?

There are a number of ways to do this. Some delegates have found a way in by working in an offshore installation construction yard, or by contacting drilling companies to obtain hands on experience. Working in maintenance or in catering is another option for gaining valuable experience.

Alternatively, a direct approach to a company might reveal their own specific work experience programmes and opportunities.

What’s working offshore like?

Working offshore isn’t for everyone. You’d be expected to work hard and spend time away from home. Modern technology makes staying in touch much easier, but it can still take some adjusting. The short films below give a useful insight into life offshore.

Lifestyle

If you want to embark on a new career and see a bit more of the world, oil and gas is an interesting choice. A new career could take you to the Middle East, South America or other fascinating locations all over the world, where you’ll experience new cultures and meet people from different backgrounds.

Regardless of where you work, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the camaraderie and project-focus the oil and gas industry is famous for.

Working hours

The usual offshore working pattern is 12-hour (day or night) shifts, and it’s normal for North Sea workers to spend two or three weeks offshore and then two or three weeks onshore.

Holiday entitlement is usually included in the time off. However, different companies have different arrangements. Work trips outside the UK may be longer, and could be between four and six weeks. As a result of this, time onshore (or ‘on the beach’ as it is known) would be longer as well.

Taking the first step to a new career with us

Whatever you decide to do, if you want to start a new career offshore, you will need to have specialised training before you can take your first step. And that’s where we come in. We’ll provide you with the essential preparation required to make that first step, like offshore survival training.